Mark Russell

With his stand-up comedy, song parodies, and American flag-themed piano he takes aim at Washington’s latest headline-making scandals.

MARK RUSSELL$32/$37/$45

His stand-up comedy, song parodies, and American flag-themed piano were staples on PBS for three decades. Now the political satirist sharpens his wit and again takes aim at Democrats, Republicans, and Washington’s latest headline-making scandals.

Long before Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert, there was Mark Russell, daring to joke and sing about the pomposity of politics. On Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 pm, Russell puts the pun back in punditry in “An Evening with Mark Russell” at Bend’s Tower Theatre.

Two years ago, after more than 50 years on the road, and 30 years on public television as host of the Mark Russell Comedy Specials, Russell decided to retire. Recently, after he heard that congressmen were cavorting in the Sea of Galilee, Russell decided it was time to return to the stage, saying, with a twinkle in his sardonic eyes and an impeccable sense of timing, “How can you make that up?”

Mark will answer questions, perform stand-up comedy, and take his position at the piano to perform new song parodies and old favorites. What’s his most frequently asked question? “Do you have any writers?” His answer: “Yes, I have 535 writers. One hundred in the Senate and 435 in the House of Representatives.”

Special dinner deals the night of the show are available at 10 Below restaurant in the Oxford Hotel. Tower members are invited to a private meet and greet onstage with Russell following the performance.

Community Involvement

The Tower is a hub for culture, connections, and artistic experiences. It is “Bend’s Living Room.” Hundreds of nonprofit and community organizations use our stage each year. And the next generation of theatre-goers enjoy LessonPLAN programs that engage their minds and hearts.